How to craft a killer resume

The first eyes on your resume are probably going to be electronic. But final hiring decisions are going to be made by actual people. It’s critical to craft your resume to stop both automated scanning systems and real live managers in their tracks. Here are some key things to consider:

Start with a tight summary. Forget the traditional objective. Objectives state what you are looking for. A summary helps others know why you’re the best candidate for their needs. Tell your reader what you offer—in as few words as possible.

Show how where you’ve been matters for where you’re going. As you craft your past job highlights make sure your current career goals are top of mind. Make sure you’re highlighting the parts of your history that have prepared you for this future.

Use your words. Computers like keywords. Employers use digital tools to scan for candidates at all times. Using the right key words is critical and the wrong ones date you. If you say “personnel” instead of “human resources” it won’t ring true with younger readers. Find the specific keywords for your industry and the job you want on current job posting sites. Scan the job postings to find the specific words employers are going to be querying.

Don’t define job titles; say things about your experience that only you could. How large were your budgets? How much did you increase sales? How many regions did you manage? Numbers are a great way to add credibility and scanabilty to your professional achievements.

And most importantly,

Make your contact info Big, Bold, Accurate and Appropriate. You know, check every number and make sure your e-mail isn’t not something like texstud@aol.com.

If you need help crafting a resume that will generate results, contact CCY. We can help.